Some Positional Moves in March

Sal Interdonato scratches my itch and lists a working 2 deep on the offensive line.

The first-team offensive line change up:  Junior Zach Reichert (tackle) and freshman Matt Hugenberg (guards) formed the left side. Sophomore Todd McDonald (center), sophomore Steve Shumaker (guard) and freshman Justin Gilbert (tackle) remained in their first-team positions.  Starting center Ryan Powis is still out with a knee injury. The second-team offensive line was sophomore Nick Bennett (left tackle); junior Andrew Szott (left guard), freshman Corey Hobbs (center); junior Richard Rainey (right guard) and juniors Whitaker and Ryan Kalnins rotated at right tackle.

 We're counting on Ryan Powis to be back for September, so no matter what - the line will look different in the fall. With that, I expect that Powis' return will make the line stronger for the season. I'm excited about this group of linemen and I'm excited about their prospects for the 2013 season, but that doesn't mean this group is going to magically turn into a veteran line in one summer.

The one thing that stands out to me in that 2 deep judging by class alone this group is a year away from being a top flight unit. Can Army lead the nation in rushing again? Probably. But as we saw last year, that alone doesn't guarantee a winning season. It's nice to have pieces, but to have a group like this that can play together for two full years is a the asset moving forward toward 2014.


Rich Ellerson did an interview with Ken Kraetzer regarding some of the personnel moves. RE really lights up when the conversation turns to defense.


_

A Couple More Practices Done

Culturally, not many things translate over from my other favorite football team the Pitt Panthers. There is so much that is different between the two schools and athletic programs on down to the athletes and the reasons why they are at each respective school. After following the Panthers for the last 15 years the one thing in every preseason I have become hyper-aware of - even obsessed with - is what the offensive line will look like. I couldn't care less about recruiting; the whole process just doesn't captivate me- but I will think about the prospects of the offensive line and O-line depth until September and I guarantee it will worry me until the 2nd or 3rd game of the season.

The Black Knights were back at practice today and there seem to have been a few decisions made regarding the makeup of their O-line. Nick Bennett (LT), Todd McDonald (C), Stephen Shumaker (RG) and Justin Gilbert (RT) worked on the first team offensive line.  Jr. Zach Reichert, Jr. Andrew Szott and Soph. Matt Hugenberg worked in with the top group at guard.

Whereas the QB spot will be fought over for the days to come, it's clear that this group plus Powis will be the makings of this year's line. I'm pretty pleased that the staff has dialed in on a core group and are working in several different guys this early in the season.



_

Ryan Powis

Ryan PowiS

sophomore Nick Bennett (left tackle), junior Andrew Szott (left guard), sophomore Todd McDonald (center); sophomore Steve Shumaker (right guard) and freshman Justin Gilbert (right tackle). Junior Zach Reichert rotated in at guard. Ellerson praised Szott, who played two years behind three-year starter Frank Allen, for his improvement. - See more at: http://blogs.hudsonvalley.com/west-point-army-football/#sthash.vqGXltCZ.dpuf

sophomore Nick Bennett (left tackle), junior Andrew Szott (left guard), sophomore Todd McDonald (center); sophomore Steve Shumaker (right guard) and freshman Justin Gilbert (right tackle). Junior Zach Reichert rotated in at guard. Ellerson praised Szott, who played two years behind three-year starter Frank Allen, for his improvement. - See more at: http://blogs.hudsonvalley.com/west-point-army-football/#sthash.vqGXltCZ.dpuf